Don't Interrupt Others

Yes, your mother may have said it, but how many of us actually practice it? We've all fallen into the bad habit of only listening to someone's story so that we can put our two cents in or turn it back to us. How can we really listen, if we are simply waiting for our turn to speak? You're not absorbing the persons feelings if you're in your own head trying to figure out what you should say. Relax and let them speak. What's the worst that can happen? You forget what you were going to say? WELL, GOOD! Because this is about what the other person is trying to say. They chose you (you lucky devil) to be their sounding board and it is your job to simply let them be heard. Yes, there are times when back and forth dialog is necessary. But in the instances where it doesn't you are only trying to speed the person up and this creates anxiety and nervousness. Relax and be patient. Enjoy the moment. Become a better listener and you will become a better friend for it.

-Based on a principle from "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff..and It's All Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson, PH.D